Fractional Nonablative 1540-nm Laser Treatment of Striae Distensae in Fitzpatrick Skin Types II to IV: Clinical and Histological Results

Abstract

Positive safety and efficacy results with the fractional nonablative 1540-nm erbium:glass laser for the treatment of striae rubra and striae alba ranging in maturation age from one to 40 years was demonstrated in Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV.

Histological and quantitative morphometric evaluation of striae distensae treated by long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd

“…The histological findings in the present study are in agreement with those of Jiménez et al [15], who used PDL, and in agreement with De Angelis et al [18], who used fractional 1540-nm Er:glass. Following treatment, they found an increase in collagen fibers by hydroxyproline assay and H&E, respectively, and they concluded that histological changes could have preceded the significant clinical improvement.…”

“…Few side effects were reported by Goldman et al [12], who used the long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG (transient edema and erythema), and by De Angelis et al [18], who used They concluded that their laser were safe for use. However, Jiménez et al [15] and Tay et al [19] did not recommend the use of their lasers (PDL and diode laser, respectively) in patients with dark skin because of the potential side effect of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurred at a high frequency.…”

“…Several studies have investigated the possible therapeutic and beneficial effects of different types of laser in the treatment of striae distensae [12,[15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…They concluded that the laser had a positive therapeutic effect. De Angelis et al [18] studied the effect of a fractional nonablative 1540-nm Er:glass laser on 51 female patients with skin type II-IV who had striae alba and rubra. They found that 50% or greater improvement in all patients could be achieved at 6 months or longer after the last session.…”

Evaluation of an ablative and non-ablative laser procedure in the treatment of striae distensae

“…Various laser systems are currently being promoted for their treatment. [2,7,8] The non-ablative long pulse Nd: YAG laser and ablative Er: YAG laser have been suggested as effective methods of treatment for striae distensae in previous studies. When we compared the efficacy of these two methods, patients with the mature, alba type of striae distensae had poor clinical improvement with both laser types.…”